Monthly Archives: September 2010

Rodarte began in Pasadena, and the sisters behind the Los Angeles-based fashion label are once again drawing oceans of praise at New York Fashion Week. For their spring 2011 collection, Laura and Kate Mulleavy balanced their legendary streak of dark whimsy with wearable, well-structured, imaginative pieces, making this their most approachable showing yet.

Here’s what top fashion writers and critics are saying about the Mulleavys latest collection, which draws inspiration from the natural beauty of California:

“California dreamin’ has always been part of the story for Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the sisters who have more often focused on blood-stained streaks from horror movies. But this time the duo looked beyond their Los Angeles studio and went back to their suburban Pasadena, California, roots. … Arts and Crafts have long been a strong focus in California. Rodarte has always been drawn to the handmade and artisanal, but this show was a fine example of designers moving their own ideas forward to become both more accessible and more desirable.”

“The Royce will be accessible fine dining at its best, and I want guests to feel completely at home when they walk through the doors,” Fau said in a statement. “We will showcase the beauty and complex flavors of local produce and pure ingredients, and invite guests to experience the gastronomic wonders of true cooking.”

It takes a special volunteer to work with rescue animals. Someone who won’t succumb to the whimpering and the sad puppy-dog eyes. Someone who can ignore emotional tugs brought on by that Sarah McLachlan soundtrack. And someone who, above all, is willing to help critters in need.

After spending only a few hours at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, even this writer left with an urge to adopt the shelter’s entire animal population. Yes, the lonely alligator, too.

Shelter volunteer Georgiann Manzo knows that feeling.

“I’ve been here so long that I get attached,” she says.

Her Eagle Rock residence is home to six shelter animals.

Manzo is among hundreds of volunteers who undergo hours and hours of specialized training to help the hundreds more animals that come through the doors of Pasadena Humane. Beginning her animal altruism in 1998 with her daughter, the 65-year-old has become one of the society’s most well-known volunteers.

It’s definitely best to tackle these bad boys with a group of adventurous eaters, that way the burden of consumption doesn’t rest solely on your shoulders. On my last trip to the Fair, I tried the fried White Castles, avocados and Pop Tarts. (The last was the clear winner among our group of novice taste-testers.) The Chicken Charlie booth is most iconic on the Fair grounds for concocting fried wonders. This year, he’ll be showcasing a new masterpiece: a deep-fried Klondike bar.